Feeling overworked and undervalued? You might be operating below the resentment line—but you don’t have to stay there. In this episode, Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, shares four key strategies to help you set boundaries, stay motivated, and reclaim your career satisfaction. You’ll learn:

• How to recognize when you’re operating below the resentment line and why it happens
• Practical strategies to set boundaries, assess capacity, and navigate trade-offs
• How to advocate for fair compensation and resources without fear of backlash

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Amina website: https://www.aminaaltai.com/

The Ambition Trap Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734356/the-ambition-trap-by-amina-altai-foreword-by-rachel-rodgers/

Overcome work conflicts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-overcome-workplace-conflict-5-strategies-that-work/id1434354911?i=1000532948090

Overcome the frozen (middle) career stage: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcome-the-frozen-middle-career-stage/id1434354911?i=1000483134747 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Struggling with small talk? Dreading awkward silences? According to Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks, there’s a 10-second trick that can instantly make you a better conversationalist—and it’s backed by science. In this episode, host Lauren McGoodwin sits down with Alison to explore why meaningful conversations matter more than ever, and how we can all get better at them with just a few intentional changes.

You’ll learn:

• The “10-second trick” that boosts connection and flow in any conversation
• The biggest mistakes people make when trying to be engaging—and how to fix them
• How stronger conversation skills can accelerate your career and build confidence

Whether you're prepping for a performance review, networking event, or just want to connect more deeply with the people in your life, this episode will give you practical tools to speak up and stand out.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Sponsor:

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Guest Resources:

Buy the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708473/talk-by-alison-wood-brooks/

Follow the TALK book tour: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/events/ 

Practice using call-backs: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/conversation-book/ 

Download the TALK workbook: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/conversation-book/ 

Follow Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wood-brooks-7b98b826/ 

And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profalisonbrooks/ 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What sets top performers apart? In this 3 in 30 episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and coach Marnie Lemonik share three key lessons high achievers live by—like embracing self-awareness, mastering adaptability, and owning your time. Packed with practical tips and tools, this episode will help you level up at work and beyond. Listen in to learn:

• Why adaptability is your most employable skill
• How self-awareness is redefining leadership
• Smart, realistic strategies to own your time and energy

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW 

Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ 

3 in 30 Episode - Routines & Habits: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-in-30-our-top-work-routines-habits/id1434354911?i=1000703562586

Rule of 3 worksheet: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/productivity-rule-of-three/

Productivity Powerhouse: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/productivity-powerhouse/

Resources 

The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn

Marnie’s Virtual Resume Review Service: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/virtual-resume-review 

Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 

10% Discount Code on Marnie’s Website: CCPOD 

Sponsors:

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

Found: Open a Found account for FREE at found.com/contessa.

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talking about your achievements can feel uncomfortable, but self-marketing is a crucial skill for career growth. In this episode, career coach and author Michelle Schafer shares how to confidently articulate your value—without feeling like you’re bragging.

You’ll learn:

• How to reframe self-promotion as sharing facts, not boasting
• Key ways to showcase your value beyond your resume
• Simple daily habits to build confidence in self-marketing

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/

Free offer: A free chapter from my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose (or buy the whole book)- sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

Email: [email protected]

Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor

OpenPhone is offering our listeners 20% off of your first 6 months at openphone.com/contessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a career strategy. In this episode, we’re unpacking the powerful link between sleep and work performance with Terry Cralle, RN and certified clinical sleep educator from the Better Sleep Council, to explore how your sleep habits can make or break your productivity, decision-making, and even long-term career growth.

Whether you're burning the midnight oil or battling afternoon brain fog, this conversation will give you the tools you need to prioritize rest and show up as your best, most focused self at work.

You’ll learn:

• Why sacrificing sleep to get ahead is actually holding you back
• Science-backed sleep hygiene habits that improve rest and focus
• How to create a sleep-friendly environment without a full bedroom makeover

Show Notes:

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Better Sleep Council: https://bettersleep.org/ 

Career Contessa Resources:

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ 

Sponsors:

Get 40% off with code CAREER at CozyEarth.com. May 2nd - 4th, it's Buy One, Get One Free on their bamboo pajamas. Just use code CAREERBOGO at checkout.

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The very trait that makes you a great employee might be holding you back when it comes to negotiating. In this episode, we’re joined by negotiation experts Gerta Malaj and Alex Choi from YourNegotiations.com to discuss why over-communication can hurt your negotiation power—and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

• Why over-communication weakens your position in a negotiation
• Practical strategies to use intentional silence to your advantage
• How to confidently shift the conversation when faced with tricky salary questions

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

6 Dos and Don’ts of Successful Salary Negotiations: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-dos-and-donts-of-a-successful-salary-negotiation/id1434354911?i=1000631573542

YourNegotiations.com: https://www.yournegotiations.com/

Weekly newsletter: https://yournegotiations.kit.com/

Book a free call: https://calendly.com/alexhapki/callcareercontessa

Gerta LinkedIn (posts free content daily): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertamalaj/

Alex LinkedIn (posts free content daily): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhapki/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor:

Cozy Earth: Luxury shouldn’t be out of reach. Use code POW for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your work routines and habits! Learn three tangible tips in 30 minutes to help you stay organized, productive, and energized—no matter where or how you work with host Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik as they dive into:

✅ The difference between routines and habits (and why you need both)

✅ Tried-and-true strategies for structuring your workday

✅ The power of time blocking, prioritization, and daily reflection

Plus, we’re sharing our personal work routines, a rapid-fire “love it or hate it” segment, and a fun way to grab exclusive productivity resources.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW 

Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Sponsors:

Go to zocdoc.com/CONTESSA to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Sign up for your $1/month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

OpenPhone is offering our listeners 20% off of your first 6 months at openphone.com/contessa. 

Luxury shouldn’t be out of reach. Use code POW for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more.

Resources

Figure Out Your Next Career Move: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/figure-out-your-next-career-move/ 

Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template

CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=1822

Free Cover Letter Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/free-template-cover-letter 

Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 

10% Discount Code: CCPOD 

The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating tech salaries and equity can be confusing, but understanding the details of stock options, RSUs, and compensation strategies can significantly impact your financial future. Compensation expert, Kimberly Hodgdon, who has worked with major tech companies like Netflix and Pinterest, breaks down key insights to help you maximize your earning potential such as:

• How to decipher and negotiate tech compensation packages, including RSUs and ESPPs.
• Strategies for evaluating a company's stock value before accepting an offer.
• Expert tips on managing equity for long-term financial success.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

The Salary Project: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

LevelsFYI: https://www.levels.fyi/

Blind: https://www.teamblind.com/salary

Guest Resources:

Kimberly Hodgedon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyhodgdon/

The Comp Team: https://www.thecompteam.com/

Comp. Template: Spreadsheet to calculate Total Compensation

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re in the middle of the biggest transformation in work in over a century—from remote work and burnout to shifting employee priorities. Through it all, one factor remains essential: meaning. In this episode, workplace motivation experts Wes Adams and Tamara Myles share how leaders and employees alike can create more meaningful work and why it leads to higher engagement, productivity, and success.

You’ll learn:

• How the three Cs—Community, Contribution, and Challenge—are the foundation of meaningful work.
• Why meaning at work drives engagement, happiness, and even financial performance.
• Simple, research-backed strategies to create a workplace culture that prioritizes purpose.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Meaningful Work Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaningful-Work-Passion-Performance-Employee/dp/1541704533

Wes Adams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/

Tamara Myles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramyles/

Website w/ assessment: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.com/ 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling stuck in your career and unsure of your next move? You’re not alone! In this episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik break down 3 actionable steps to help you gain career clarity—without the overwhelm.

Tune in to learn:

• The biggest misconceptions about career clarity (and what to focus on instead)
•  How to identify your strengths, non-negotiables, and new opportunities
• Our favorite tools and resources to guide your next career move

Whether you’re considering a job change or just want more direction in your current role, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW 

Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Resources

Figure Out Your Next Career Move: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/figure-out-your-next-career-move/

Marnie’s Career Clarity IG Series: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHFOjMnu0Lc/ 

Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template

CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 

Free Cover Letter Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/free-template-cover-letter 

Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 

10% Discount Code: CCPOD 

The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.